The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has dismantled an international fraud syndicate led by Mr. Ikoro Mang Ifendu, who impersonated NAFDAC officials to extort foreign companies using counterfeit regulatory documents.
According Director General/CEO of NAFDAC Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, Ifendu, a resident of Aba, Abia State, was arrested on February 7, 2025, following a petition from Thani Almaeeni Trading Group in Abu Dhabi, UAE. The company had applied to register dried seafood but was deceived into paying large sums under false pretenses.
NAFDAC’s investigation revealed that the syndicate operated a sophisticated scheme involving fake NAFDAC certificates, revenue receipts, and banking documents to extract payments from foreign businesses. The group controlled 15 domiciliary accounts and five local accounts across seven Nigerian banks, with over $950,000 processed through these channels. An estimated $450,000 was traced to offshore accounts in Cotonou, Benin Republic, with a recent alert showing an additional $75,000 deposit.
Victims included prominent firms such as Japan Long Tie (China), Aquaforest SP (Poland), Vincenzo Frecentese (Italy), and Siam Canadian China Limited. The case has been referred to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation, including recovery of proceeds under the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA).
NAFDAC has urged businesses to avoid using agents or consultants for product registration and to visit official NAFDAC offices for verification and approvals. The agency reaffirmed its commitment to protecting public health and ensuring regulatory compliance.
